From sun-soaked shores and swaying palms to fresh island cuisine and unforgettable sunsets, Maui offers the ultimate beach escape. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore deeper, this two-day itinerary will take you on a relaxed, scenic, and flavor-packed tour of the Valley Isle’s most iconic coastlines and hidden gems—with perfect photo ops, delicious meals, and luxurious places to stay built in.

🌅 Day 1: Classic West Maui – Lahaina, Kaʻanapali & Napili

🛏️ Where to Stay:

• Montage Kapalua Bay – Elegant beachfront resort with sweeping ocean views and spacious suites.
• The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kaʻanapali – Family-friendly luxury with lagoon-style pools and beach access.
• Napili Sunset Beachfront Resort – Budget-friendly, laid-back condo-style stay steps from the sand.

☀️ Morning: Kaʻanapali Beach Walk + Oceanfront Brunch

Start your day at Kaʻanapali Beach, one of Maui’s most beloved beaches for swimming, snorkeling, and strolling. Walk the paved beach path for views of Black Rock, turquoise waves, and lush hotel gardens.

Brunch Stop:
📍Duke’s Beach House – Just off the Kaʻanapali path, this classic Hawaiian restaurant serves island-style breakfast: banana pancakes, coconut syrup, and Kona coffee, all with toes-in-the-sand ambiance.

Pro Tip: Bring snorkel gear for Black Rock, where sea turtles are often spotted near the cliffs.

🌊 Midday: Napili Bay Bliss

Head north to Napili Bay, a quieter crescent-shaped beach with clear, gentle waters perfect for snorkeling and lounging. Stop at The Gazebo for a mid-morning snack or early lunch—this tiny seaside restaurant is famous for macadamia nut pancakes and fried rice.

Arrive early or expect a short wait—it’s worth it!

🌄 Afternoon: Scenic Drive + Sunset Cliff Vibes

Take a short drive through Kapalua and onto the Lower Honoapiʻilani Road for local fruit stands, scenic overlooks, and cool breezes.

Golden Hour: Settle in at Merriman’s Kapalua for a sunset cocktail and ocean-view dinner. Their locally-sourced menu features fresh seafood, farm veggies, and signature mai tais.

🍽️ Dinner Option:

📍Merriman’s Kapalua – Upscale oceanfront dining with island-sourced ingredients and unbeatable views.

🌅 Day 2: South Maui Chill – Wailea, Kihei & Makena

🛏️ Where to Stay:

• Hotel Wailea (Adults Only) – Intimate and luxurious, perfect for a romantic getaway.
• Fairmont Kea Lani – A beachfront all-suite resort with top-rated spa and dining.
• Mana Kai Maui (Kihei) – Affordable, ocean-view condos right on the sand.

🌴 Morning: Big Beach + Coffee in Kihei

Kick off the day early with a visit to Makena Beach (Big Beach)—a wide, golden stretch of sand backed by lava rock cliffs. It’s one of Maui’s most dramatic beaches and is usually less crowded in the morning.

Coffee Stop:
📍Akamai Coffee Co. (Kihei) – Maui-roasted beans, iced lattes, and quick breakfast bites.

🐢 Late Morning: Snorkeling at Maluaka Beach

Just around the bend from Big Beach, Maluaka Beach is known as “Turtle Town” for its frequent honu (sea turtle) sightings. Snorkel near the rocks on the right side of the beach for the best marine life.

🍴 Lunch: South Maui Eats

📍Coconut’s Fish Café – A low-key local favorite in Kihei for award-winning fish tacos, grilled ono, and coconut shrimp.

Try the 17-ingredient taco—you won’t regret it.

🧖 Afternoon: Spa & Relaxation in Wailea

After a morning in the ocean, pamper yourself at Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Kea Lani or stroll through The Shops at Wailea for locally made goods and island art.

🌇 Sunset: Beach Picnic or Luxe Dining

• Option 1: Beach Picnic – Grab poke bowls from South Maui Fish Co., bring a blanket, and watch the sun dip below the horizon at Kamaole Beach Park III.
• Option 2: Dinner at Lineage (Wailea) – Elevated Hawaiian comfort food in a stylish, chef-driven space.

📍 Bonus Tips for Your Maui Beach Getaway

• Car rental is essential for beach-hopping and exploring both sides of the island.
• Always check ocean conditions before swimming or snorkeling—especially at Big Beach.
• Respect marine life—never touch turtles or stand on coral reefs.
• Pack reef-safe sunscreen to help protect Maui’s delicate underwater ecosystems.

🌺 Final Vibes

Two days in Maui may fly by, but this curated beach itinerary offers a perfect taste of the island’s coastal beauty, laid-back rhythm, and local flavor. Whether you’re watching sea turtles glide by in Wailea or toasting a fiery Lahaina sunset, every moment in Maui is magic—and worth coming back for again and again.

🌺🌅 Embrace island life from dawn to dusk with Sunrise to Sunset in Honolulu: A Perfect Day of Aloha by the Sea. From early morning beach walks to sunset mai tais, this guide has everything you need for the ultimate day in paradise.